In Thursday’s dramatic episode of Home and Away, airing on July 24th, 2025, viewers will witness an emotional rollercoaster as Roo Stewart faces a life-changing decision regarding a vulnerable child in need. Could Roo be ready to step back into the role of a foster parent? This week’s events in Summer Bay will put her to the test as a new crisis unfolds that might bring her face to face with her past struggles—and the possibility of a new future as a caregiver.

The Crisis Unfolds

The episode opens with Sergeant David Langham investigating a woman named Samantha Luther, who is discovered living rough and hiding a stash of stolen mobile phones in the boot of her car. As David prepares to arrest Samantha, a heartbreaking twist occurs: her young son, Cohen, emerges from the tent that has served as their temporary home. The emotional scene between mother and son is raw and filled with heartbreak, as Cohen watches helplessly while his mother is taken into custody. With no immediate family left to care for him, Cohen’s future hangs in the balance.

A Desperate Plea for Help

With Samantha being arrested and no one left to care for Cohen, David is left with no choice but to urgently seek emergency foster care for the young boy. He turns to Roo Stewart, knowing that she has the experience and compassion to care for children in need. However, Roo’s response is not one of immediate acceptance.

Roo’s last experience with fostering, which involved troubled teen Eliza Sherwood, left her emotionally drained. After caring for Eliza, Roo struggled with the emotional toll it took on her and her family. Eliza’s troubles proved too much to handle, and Roo found herself at her breaking point, unsure if she could ever foster another child again. The painful memories of that experience continue to haunt her, and now, faced with the opportunity to help Cohen, Roo is left questioning whether she’s ready to take on the responsibility once more.

The Dilemma

Roo’s dilemma is not just about caring for Cohen; it’s about confronting her own fears of failure and emotional strain. In this moment, she must weigh the impact of taking on another child in need against the emotional cost of doing so. While she wants to help Cohen, Roo must ask herself whether she’s truly in the right headspace to be the kind of foster parent Cohen needs. As a beloved character in Home and Away, fans know Roo as someone who is compassionate and caring, yet her hesitation adds a layer of realism to her struggle.

As Roo considers the decision, viewers will see the internal battle she faces. Will she overcome her past trauma and step up for Cohen? Or will she decide that, for her own emotional well-being, she must decline?

What’s Next for Cohen?

The emotional scenes between David, Roo, and Cohen will undoubtedly leave fans on the edge of their seats, eager to find out what will happen next. Cohen’s future is uncertain, and viewers will be waiting with bated breath to see if Roo can find it in herself to help him, or if someone else will be called upon to provide him with the love and support he desperately needs.

The Home and Away episode on July 24th promises to be a pivotal moment for Roo Stewart, as well as an emotionally charged exploration of fostering, responsibility, and the toll it takes on those who choose to open their hearts to children in need.

Other Key Storylines

While Roo grapples with her decision, the episode also delves into other unfolding storylines in Summer Bay. Lacy Miller’s new job at Manta Ray Boards continues to test her limits as she struggles to teach a surf class, and the tension between Dana Mat and her boyfriend, Sunny Baldwin, over a job at Northern District’s Hospital adds an extra layer of drama to the episode. These subplots create a perfect balance of emotional intensity, personal growth, and professional challenges.

Stay Tuned for More Drama

As Home and Away continues to build on these compelling storylines, the drama surrounding Cohen’s future and Roo’s decision will undoubtedly keep viewers hooked. Don’t miss the July 24th episode, as the emotional stakes are high, and every decision could change the lives of these characters forever.